Dispersed camping near Fort Wingate, New Mexico offers primitive overnight options in the high desert and forested areas of northwestern New Mexico. The region sits between 6,500-7,500 feet elevation, creating notable temperature variations between day and night regardless of season. Road access to most sites requires careful planning as conditions deteriorate quickly after rainfall, with several areas becoming completely impassable without 4WD.
What to do
Explore canyon roads: Six Mile Canyon Road provides opportunities for hiking and mountain biking along its unpaved route. "Biked 6 miles up the road. Had cell service (Verizon and T-mobile)," reports one visitor at Six Mile Canyon Road Dispersed Site.
Stargaze after sunset: The minimal light pollution in more remote spots creates excellent stargazing conditions. "The stars were bomb dot com," notes a camper about their experience at Six Mile Canyon - Dispersed Camping.
Find seclusion in the pines: The higher elevation areas offer cooler temperatures and pine forest camping. "Large Ponderosa Pines with White Cedar and Oak scrub. Spots aren't marked so be observant," advises a visitor to Turkey Springs.
What campers like
Elevation cooling effect: Higher altitude sites provide relief from summer heat. "It is above 7k, so it does get colder at night than the local forecast for Gallup," notes a camper about the temperature advantage at Turkey Springs.
Multiple site options: Many dispersed areas offer various camping spots depending on your preferences and vehicle. "We only drove about 1.5 miles passed the gates, but we saw several camp spots with fire rings. The road is grated and well maintained," shares one camper about their experience.
Quick interstate access: Some areas provide convenient overnight options for travelers. "Nothing fancy. Close to I-40 but you can get far enough away to limit road noise. Road is good enough to drag a camper back," reports a visitor about Six Mile Canyon.
What you should know
Seasonal closures enforced: Several camping areas have strict winter closures. "The gate at the end of the road is closed Dec. 15 to March 31. Parked outside the gate for the night," reports a camper at Six Mile Canyon.
Weather-dependent road access: Rain quickly changes accessibility to most sites. "Don't recommend if it's muddy! Great spot! Lots of options and tons of open space... I decided to stay at the nearby Quaking Aspen Campground (0.5 mile away) due to this dispersed camping area kinda being a mudpit after the rain," warns a visitor to Turkey Springs.
Variable cell service: Coverage depends on specific location and carrier. "TMobile access was mixed. Sometimes limited LTE, sometimes 5G," notes a camper about connectivity in the Turkey Springs area.
Tips for camping with families
Find spots away from shooting areas: Some BLM lands have unofficial target practice areas. "There is an unofficial shooting range on the property," warns a visitor to BLM land near Grants, NM, making these areas potentially less suitable for families with children.
Scout level areas for setup: Many sites require searching for flat ground. "Sites not very level but managed to get the RVs level enough," reports a camper who visited Six Mile Canyon Road Dispersed Site.
Consider noise factors: Highway and local traffic can affect some camping experiences. "The paved road is loud in the morning and evening with ranch/quarry traffic, but it is very quiet at night," notes a camper about the Turkey Springs area.
Tips from RVers
Look for pull-through options: Some dispersed sites accommodate larger vehicles. "Many pull-off spots and several pull throughs with lots of shady pines and wonderful breezes and wildlife. Secluded spots available," reports a camper at Turkey Springs.
Check road quality before committing: Road conditions vary widely across the area. "Went about 2 miles up the road to find the last good spot. Found a few sites off of the road before this but all occupied. We got a site for 2 RVs that protected us from an impending windstorm," shares a camper about their experience at Six Mile Canyon Road.
Consider vehicle capability honestly: Low-clearance vehicles can access some areas in dry conditions. "I drove my Prius in during the summer and it was fine. Granted, I could see how this would be hazardous if the ground was soft and muddy," notes a visitor to Six Mile Canyon Dispersed Camping.
